National Mojito Day is Friday, July 11th. It is a shame that this cocktail only gets recognition for a single day, after all there are a sufficient amount of variations to last a few weeks.

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The Mojito cocktail dates back to the 16th century when it was first created in Cuba. The Mojito was originally known as El Draque after the English explorer Sir Francis Drake. Lime, sugar, and mint were added to the drink because the rum was such pitiful quality in that time - it needed the additional ingredients to make the drink appeasing to the palate.

Mojitos were said to have medicinal qualities, as alcoholic beverages often are claimed to have. However, except for being ridiculously delicious, there are no health benefits to a Mojito.

According to some accounts, the Mojito name comes from the African word "mojo." which translates into "to place a spell." Others say that the name came from the Spanish word mojadito, which means "a little wet." The actual origin of the name may never be known.

What is known is that the Mojito is one of the most popular summer cocktails, and can be made several ways so that you aren’t getting bored with the same recipe.

Traditional Mojito

3 oz Bacardi Silver rum

1 oz Lime Juice

2 tsp Sugar

2-4 Mint sprigs

Soda water

Lightly muddle the mint and sugar with a splash of soda water in a mixing glass until the sugar dissolve and you smell the mint. Squeeze the lime into the glass, add rum and shake with ice. Strain over cracked ice in a highball glass. Top with soda water, garnish with mint sprig and serve.